The Supermarket Sleuth | Microwave popcorn
Posted on Tue, Jun. 03, 2008
BY GIGI LEHMAN
Act II 94% Fat Free Butter ($3.39 per 6 bags)
Today's generation of popcorn eaters likely grew up tossing a bag in the microwave, which is a shame because they never knew the joy of watching the aluminum dome on the disposable Jiffy Pop pan rise as the corn was popped on the stove.
If it's not covered in butter, oil and salt, popcorn is a healthful snack. More than five cups of the low-fat versions account for only 100 calories. These versions are mostly pretty light on sodium, too, and popcorn is full of fiber.
Some last health notes about microwave popcorn: In 2007, a concern arose about diacetyl, a chemical that used to be added as a butter flavoring. A man who ate two bags of popcorn each night and inhaled the steam when he opened them contracted ''popcorn lung,'' formerly found only in popcorn-factory workers. None of the brands we tested now use diacetyl, according to the companies.
Another issue is perfluorinated chemicals in the popcorn bags. The substances make paper grease-resistant, and several studies have raised concerns about their concentrations in humans and the environment. General Mills says it does not use PFOAs in Pop Secret packages, while Stephanie Chiles, a ConAgra spokeswoman, says ''Like other companies, we have plans in place to phase out the use of PFOAs in our packaging'' for Act II and Orville Redenbacher Smart Pop.
Act II 94% Fat Free Butter
Cost: $3.39 per 6 bags
The label says: Great Tasting Butter Flavor; 30 percent less sodium; same great taste guaranteed.
Nutrition: Per 7 cups popped, or about one-half bag: 130 calories, 2.5 g fat (4 percent of daily value); 0.5 g saturated fat (3 percent daily value); 0 g trans fat; 220 mg sodium (9 percent daily value); 5 g dietary fiber (20 percent daily value).
The verdict: This came in second in our taste test, but our three judges still found it fairly flavorless, with only a hint of butter flavor and some saltiness.
Grade: C
Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop! 94% Fat Free Butter
Cost: $2.99 per 3 pack
The label says: 30 percent less sodium; same great taste guaranteed; 100 percent whole grain popcorn; 0 mg cholesterol; 0 mg trans fat per serving.
Nutrition: Per 7.5 cups popped (about one-half bag): 120 calories; 2 g fat (3 percent daily value); 0.5 g saturated fat (3 percent daily value); 0 g trans fat; 240 mg sodium (10 percent of daily value); 4 g dietary fiber (16 percent daily value).
The verdict: ''Tasted like Styrofoam'' was the unanimous sentiment. No hint of salt or butter taste.
Grade: D
Pop Secret 94% Fat Free
Cost: $3.07 per 10 ``snack bags''
The label says: 0 g trans fat; 100 percent whole grain; good source of fiber.
Nutrition: Per 6 cups (about 1 bag): 160 calories, 2.5 g fat (4 percent daily value), 1 g saturated fat (4 percent daily value); 0 g trans fat; 450 mg sodium (19 percent daily value); 5 g fiber (20 percent daily value).
The verdict: This was the ''hands down'' winner for flavor -- though it also had a bit more fat and calories and about twice the sodium per serving. ''It wouldn't fool anyone used to the higher-fat versions, but it was pretty good for what it was,'' said one taster. Another taster considered the smaller bag a plus, because she never finishes a whole bag by herself.
Grade: B
The bottom line: If you're addicted to movie-style popcorn, these aren't blockbusters -- but they're not diet-busters, either.
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